I think it would be kind of foolish to try and recreate this team next year. Similar to moving on from Royce in 2012, it's very unlikely that we're going to bring in one player that can do all the things Kane does. Fred is going to have to re-define this offense yet again.
So if you assume, look at the current projected starting lineup of Morris-Naz-Hogue-Nader/McKay-Niang and tell me which player is the one you definitely don't trust as a starter and is the clear number one priority to recruit over. I'm not saying we don't need to look for a talent upgrade for next year, I'm just saying, I don't think it definitely has to be a 2-guard.
I love Naz, but objectively what position do you think is more of a weakness than the 2? Morris has been solid all year and our only confirmed HS recruit is another solid true PG. Ejim will be a big loss, but we can have some combination of Nader/McKay/Hogue filling out the 3/4 (in different ways). There is no replacing Kane.
Obviously Naz has been coming on really strong late here, but he also spent the better part of the conference season really struggling. He's still only averaging 19.9 MPG (less than Thomas even). Naz and Thomas will be a big part of next year's team, but that is clearly the position with the most question marks. Don't get me wrong, I think we will be fine with Thomas and Naz at the 2, but I definitely would feel better if we had some other options to fall back on if they struggle again.
We have just 1 spot open next year right?
I love Naz, but objectively what position do you think is more of a weakness than the 2? Morris has been solid all year and our only confirmed HS recruit is another solid true PG. Ejim will be a big loss, but we can have some combination of Nader/McKay/Hogue filling out the 3/4 (in different ways). There is no replacing Kane.
Obviously Naz has been coming on really strong late here, but he also spent the better part of the conference season really struggling. He's still only averaging 19.9 MPG (less than Thomas even). Naz and Thomas will be a big part of next year's team, but that is clearly the position with the most question marks. Don't get me wrong, I think we will be fine with Thomas and Naz at the 2, but I definitely would feel better if we had some other options to fall back on if they struggle again.
It's probably the 2, but I don't think it's the same as last year when we were definitely screwed if we don't get an experienced point or combo guard to lead really inexperienced backcourt. If say a Will Clyburn-type player became available I don't think we'd have to pass on him to save a scholarship for a guard, that's all I'm saying.
Oh I definitely agree with that. I think we are in good shape with whatever happens. Maybe SDW will have a Naz-like stepforward next year. Who knows?
Just keep in mind we have 2 scholarships still open and we have yet to have a single off-season under Fred (or even going back to McD?) without a transfer-out as well. Maybe Bluford will be the only defection this year, but I think it's a pretty safe bet that there will be a spot open late even if Fred were interested in this guy (which he very well may not be!).
No we have two open currently. We lose Ejim, Kane, Bluford and Bubu. We gain McKay and Custer.
That leaves two spots but I would assume we will lose one of our own so that would make three.
Is it bad that I already forgot he started the season here :unsure:
Rebels
From this article it sounds like UNLOL is going to lose some more kids. Not only can Rice not coach, sounds like he can't manage a team either.
I love Naz, but objectively what position do you think is more of a weakness than the 2? Morris has been solid all year and our only confirmed HS recruit is another solid true PG. Ejim will be a big loss, but we can have some combination of Nader/McKay/Hogue filling out the 3/4 (in different ways). There is no replacing Kane.
Obviously Naz has been coming on really strong late here, but he also spent the better part of the conference season really struggling. He's still only averaging 19.9 MPG (less than Thomas even). Naz and Thomas will be a big part of next year's team, but that is clearly the position with the most question marks. Don't get me wrong, I think we will be fine with Thomas and Naz at the 2, but I definitely would feel better if we had some other options to fall back on if they struggle again.
Should Fred consider him if he decides to graduate and play elsewhere next season?
Guard Bryce Dejean-Jones won’t return to UNLV next season | CollegeBasketballTalk
Wouldn't that be ironic if he came to ISU and we had a successful season considering...well just considering.
2nd chances can go a long way with a young man. Many are greatful and know it's the last opportunity and to make the best of it.I'm sure he's very talented, and I'll never talk about anyone being a locker room cancer as those types of rumors have come back to bite posters who've made uninformed guesses around here, but it sounds like this guy is done with basketball. In that article he indicated he's going to finish degree at UNLV and then pursue professional(not sure if that means basketball or otherwise) opportunities.
Rebels
From this article it sounds like UNLOL is going to lose some more kids. Not only can Rice not coach, sounds like he can't manage a team either.